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Regional Journalism
Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

Coos County Voters To Consider Initiative To Block New Gun Laws

Michael Saechang
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Flickr - tinyurl.com/hjqmt6u
File photo. An initiative in in Coos County, Oregon, would block enforcement of new gun laws.

People in Coos County, Oregon, are considering an initiative that would block enforcement of new gun laws. The question goes before voters in a special election next month.

The initiative would require the county sheriff to decide whether new state or federal gun laws would violate the Second Amendment. If the sheriff thinks the law does that, then the county would be banned from using any resources to enforce the law.

Chief petitioner Rob Taylor of Bandon said the point of the initiative is simple: "To hedge against any more erosion of our Second Amendment liberties."

One example Taylor cited is a bill approved by state lawmakers this year that expanded background checks for gun sales to transactions between private parties.

The measure would create a $2,000 fine for any county employee who violates the initiative.

The measure required 1,436 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. Coos County Clerk Terri Turi said petitioners submitted 1,922 valid names.